This film is an underrated gem. It features some of the Venom Mob's actors that are trained in Peking Opera. The film itself highlights some elements of opera performances and the various roles that you'd encounter in real life. I believe this movie is harder for some people to appreciate if they do not understand the core pieces that lead up to the action unfolding. It is centered around the Opera troupe and the story gradually begins to unfold through their performances until it leads up to what happens outside the stage. Everyone is caught in a web of betrayal, secrets, and the growing experience of the supernatural.

All the performances were brilliantly executed. Chiang Sheng's character is a male that happens to play female roles in the Opera performances, which is referred to as a nandan, and he brings a fun twist to the film with his flirtatious but dramatic personality. Lu Feng also delivers a strong and feisty performance because his character is one of the few involved in developing a malicious plot. He causes some interesting confrontations throughout the film. His character seems to specialize in playing the Jing on stage which is a male with a painted face which happens to have roles that are forceful in personality and this aligns with his character as a whole. Ricky Cheng Tien-Chi and Lee Chung-Yat don't disappoint, either. Lee Chung-Yat plays a slightly hotheaded character with a gentler side towards specific characters that makes you forget that he's just playing the role because it is so believable. Ricky Cheng Tien-Chi shines with his beautiful knife skills which pairs with his mysterious vibe. He brings a lot of surprises and twists to the screen.

Overall, the acrobatics are spectacular, and the action is fast-paced but not disappointing when everyone breaks out into a fight. It was beautifully crafted to catch your attention, and I didn't want to look away. The entire mood of the film is definitely dark and mysterious, so it isn't one that's lighthearted. I highly recommend checking this out if you enjoy the Venom Mob and Chang Cheh's innovative movies like Heaven and Hell or The Nine Demons for example. Since the actors are practically all Peking Opera trained, it doesn't feel artificial, and I quite enjoyed them bringing their skills to light in a brilliant display. You should definitely check it out if you are interested in Chinese Opera and see how Chang Cheh brilliantly incorporates the supernatural into the fun, slower paced, plot.